What Is Myopia?

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common vision condition in which distant objects appear blurry while close objects can be seen clearly. It occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. As a result, the brain receives a blurred image of faraway objects.

This condition affects people of all ages, from children and teens to adults. In recent years, myopia has become more widespread, especially among those who spend extended time focusing on screens or reading without enough outdoor activity.

Early Symptoms of Myopia

Myopia often develops gradually, especially during childhood or adolescence, but it can also appear suddenly. Common symptoms include:

• Blurry vision when looking at distant objects (e.g., road signs, whiteboards, or television)

• Squinting to see clearly

• Eye strain or fatigue, particularly when driving or watching a movie

• Headaches caused by straining to focus

• Difficulty seeing clearly at night (night myopia)

• Sitting close to screens or holding books too near

In children, signs may also include poor school performance, lack of attention, or sitting very close to the TV.

Severity Levels of Myopia

Myopia is classified by diopter (D) values, which measure the focusing power of lenses needed to correct your vision:

Mild Myopia (≤ -3.00 D)

• Slightly blurred distance vision

• Often manageable with glasses or contact lenses

• Low risk of long-term complications

Moderate Myopia (-3.00 D to -6.00 D)

• Clearer near vision but increasingly blurry distance vision

• May require full-time corrective lenses

• Higher likelihood of eye fatigue and progression during adolescence

High or Severe Myopia (≥ -6.00 D)

• Significant visual impairment without correction

• Higher risk of eye conditions such as:

  • Retinal detachment

  • Glaucoma

  • Cataracts

  • Myopic macular degeneration

People with high myopia often need stronger prescriptions and more frequent eye checkups.

What Causes Myopia?

Myopia can be caused by several factors, including:

• Genetics: A family history of myopia increases the likelihood of developing it

• Environmental Factors: Long hours of near work such as reading, writing, or screen time

• Insufficient Outdoor Activity: Lack of exposure to natural daylight during childhood

• Eye Shape: Elongated eyeballs or excessively curved corneas disrupt light refraction

Diagnosis and Eye Examination at Bangkok Eye Hospital

At Bangkok Eye Hospital, myopia diagnosis involves a comprehensive and painless eye examination tailored to your visual needs and lifestyle. Our services include:

• Visual acuity test: Measures how clearly you can see at various distances

• Refraction assessment: Determines the exact lens prescription needed

• Slit-lamp examination: Evaluates the overall health of your eyes

• Retinal examination: Checks for changes in the retina, especially in high myopia

• Corneal topography and axial length measurement: For accurate LASIK or refractive surgery planning

Early detection of myopia in children and young adults is critical to slow its progression and reduce future eye health risks.

Treatment and Vision Correction Options

Treatment for myopia depends on the severity of the condition and the patient's age, lifestyle, and preferences. Bangkok Eye Hospital offers both non-surgical and surgical treatment options:

Eyeglasses

• The most common and non-invasive method

• Lightweight lenses available for mild to high myopia

• Anti-reflective coatings and blue-light filters can enhance comfort

Contact Lenses

• Offer a wider field of vision and are ideal for sports or active lifestyles

• Available in soft, rigid gas permeable, and daily disposable types

• Ortho-K (orthokeratology) lenses are worn overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily

Laser Eye Surgery

• LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)
  Uses a laser to reshape the cornea and improve light refraction. Suitable for most mild to moderate myopia cases.

• PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
  Alternative to LASIK for those with thin corneas

• ReLEx SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
  A minimally invasive option for correcting myopia with less discomfort and faster healing

Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL)

• A permanent lens is inserted in front of the natural lens without removing any tissue

• Recommended for patients with high myopia or thin corneas not suitable for LASIK

Managing Progressive Myopia in Children

Controlling myopia in children is essential to prevent severe vision problems in the future. Bangkok Eye Hospital offers:

• Atropine eye drops to slow myopia progression

• Specialized lenses (e.g., multifocal or myopia control lenses)

• Behavioral recommendations: Encouraging outdoor play, limiting screen time, and promoting visual breaks

Related Services at Bangkok Eye Hospital

To provide full-spectrum care for myopia and other refractive errors, we offer:

• Refractive Surgery Center: For LASIK, PRK, and ReLEx SMILE

• Pediatric Ophthalmology Clinic: Early detection and control of myopia in children

• Contact Lens Clinic: Expert fitting and training for safe contact lens use

• Comprehensive Eye Exams: Annual checkups to monitor and manage refractive changes

• Low Vision Services: Support and guidance for patients with high myopia and vision loss

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can myopia be cured permanently?
While glasses and contact lenses offer temporary correction, surgical options like LASIK or ICL can provide long-term vision correction. However, they do not "cure" the tendency for eye elongation or prevent future eye diseases.

Is LASIK suitable for everyone with myopia?
Not always. Suitability depends on factors like age, corneal thickness, and eye health. A thorough evaluation at Bangkok Eye Hospital will determine the best approach.

Can myopia get worse over time?
Yes. Myopia often progresses during childhood and teenage years. Early management can help slow its development.

Can lifestyle changes help reduce myopia progression?
Yes. Spending more time outdoors, taking regular breaks from screens, and managing lighting while reading can help reduce strain and potentially slow progression.

What is the difference between myopia and astigmatism?
Myopia affects distance vision, while astigmatism causes blurred or distorted vision at all distances due to irregular corneal shape. Many patients have both.